SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RURAL WOMEN'S AWARD

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (14:44): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about the 2012 RIRDC Rural Women's Award for South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: I understand that the RIRDC Rural Women's Award for South Australia was presented by the minister this morning at the Adelaide Pavilion. Can the minister inform the chamber about this morning's event?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:44): I thank the honourable member for her most important question. It was with great pleasure that I was able to attend the 2012 RIRDC Rural Women's Award for South Australia this morning. It is the 13^th year that this award has been running, and it was very pleasing to see the Hon. Jing Lee in attendance at that award ceremony as well.

I would like to put on the record my admiration for Krysteen McElroy and Mary Retallack, who were the two finalists this year. They are amazing women; it was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet them both. My sincere congratulations go out to both women, but particularly Mary Retallack, who was named the winner of this year's award.

Krysteen, who was the runner-up, comes from Padthaway in the South-East. She and her husband are mixed farmers, and I am told that Krysteen's focus is in sustainability, specifically high-value and water-efficient crops. Mary, today's winner, grew up in the Riverland and is a viticulturist. I understand that she is passionate about women working together, sharing information and knowledge so that they can reach their full potential. I am sure that there are many members in this chamber who, like myself, deeply admire and respect the very pivotal role that women play in rural South Australia.

The award that I presented this morning is important because it highlights roles of women, particularly in primary industries in rural communities and certainly in relation to natural resource management. The successful recipient of the award was presented with a place in the RIRDC Institute of Company Directors Course, which will allow her to take on that next developmental step in their leadership journey. I understand that both finalists are awarded with the entitlement to attend that course. The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation provides a $10,000 bursary to the winner, allowing her to enhance her skills.

I am advised that many past winners have used this award as a launching pad for brilliant careers in boardrooms and in decision-making forums around this country. For instance, the 2010 national winner, Sue Middleton, has recently been appointed to the to WA Royalties for Regions Advisory Trust Board, and many other state and national winners are taking their rightful place in leading boards and committees.

As I mentioned, today's award also gives a $10,000 bursary for the winner to implement her award vision, and I am sure that members are keen to learn about Mary Retallack's vision. As I said, Mary is a third generation viticulturist, and she is going on to develop a women in wine website. The website will connect women in the wine industry, providing a place to share information and opportunities.

Both finalists will have an opportunity to attend the company directors course in Canberra but, obviously, only the winner will be given the opportunity to see the project through with the $10,000 bursary. Both finalists will attend a dinner at Parliament House in Canberra in September when the Australian Rural Women's Award 2012 national winner will be announced.

I just want to make sure that I put on the record my personal appreciation to all rural women and all women who have been involved in this award—winners, finalists and applicants—over the last 12 years. I would also like to acknowledge and show my appreciation to the sponsors and the organisers of this marvellous event. A lot of work goes into the success of these events, and many people volunteer a lot of their personal time to make these events very special and successful.